San Vicente de la Barquera

San Vicente de la Barquera is a picturesque fishing town set on a tidal estuary, with the snow-capped peaks of the Picos de Europa visible on clear days behind the town. The combination of the medieval bridge, the hilltop castle, and the mountain backdrop creates one of the most photographed scenes on the Camino del Norte.

Pilgrims will find albergues, hotels, restaurants (fresh seafood is excellent), cafes, supermarkets, and a pharmacy. The old town climbs up the hill to the castle and the Church of Santa Maria de los Angeles.

San Vicente marks the border between Cantabria and Asturias. The walk across the long bridge over the estuary at low tide is memorable.